On Sun, 13 Feb 2011 12:40:19 -0800, Rich Grise
wrote:

Is there a "generic" NC programming language, or does each brand of machine
have its own? How hard is it to learn from scratch? Are there any resources
on-line?

Where I sit, they have a Fadal VMC 45, model #903-1, that just sits there
because the only guy who knew how to program it quit. If I can find
something on-line, I'd like to learn how to program the thing so that we
can get some use out of it. What I normally do, when there's work, is draw
pretty 3D pictures of parts with Autocad Mechanical Desktop; from that,
if I understand the system, it shouldn't be too hard to make a script or
whatever it's called to control the machine. I know I'd need to know
about tool speeds and paths and stuff, but we have two real machinists
whose brains I could pick for little details like that, and I've got
nothing but time on my hands - nowadays I sweep the floors and take out
the trash and clean the sinks and toilets, and they let me hang around
until there's actual work.

So, is there any kind of on-line tuturial or anything where I could
get started?

Thanks,
Rich
========
One of the best things to do is sign up for a non-credit CNC
class at your local community college or vo-tech. You will
have someone to answer your questions, and get to practice
on their machine(s).

To start try
http://www.fadalcnc.com/page.cfm/fad..._documentation
http://cncmachiningzone.org/

You can also download a cnc simulator/editor for free at
http://www.cncsimulator.com/ Not all Fanuc codes/syntax are
supported (default is ISO), but its much cheaper to simulate
a crash than have a real one while learning.

While more of a reference book than a self paced tutorial,
the Smid book is a good investment, and the book does
include exercises/solutions on the included CD.
http://www.amazon.com/Programming-Ha.../dp/0831133473


You may find the following sites of help/interest
http://www.machinetoolhelp.com/Learn...ookreview.html
http://www.cnccookbook.com/CCResourcesInd.htm
http://bbs.homeshopmachinist.net/showthread.php?t=45471

Good luck, and be sure to let the group know how you make
out.


-- Unka George (George McDuffee)
...............................
The past is a foreign country;
they do things differently there.
L. P. Hartley (1895-1972), British author.
The Go-Between, Prologue (1953).